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3 reasons the Golden State Warriors always struggle against the Houston Rockets

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 3: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 3, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 3: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 3, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Elite isolation scorers

While the Rockets played without Harden last night, they typically have the frontrunner for MVP on the court when they play Golden State. Both Harden and Chris Paul pose elite isolation threats for Houston.

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The real trouble is when the Warriors switch. The Warriors have boasted one of the best lineups in NBA history with their death lineup. In just over 120 minutes on the court, the lineup is plus-60 on the scoreboard this season.

However, with any lineup besides the death lineup on the court, the Rockets pick the Warriors apart with screens. It’s mainly Chris Paul facilitating as Clint Capela, Kenneth Faried or Nene set a screen and flare to the side.

Then, it’s Paul or Harden alone with a Looney, Cousins or Bell-like player. That usually ends up with points on the board for Houston and has been the team’s main form of offense.

Harden and Paul nearly combined to average 50 points per game in the 2018 Western Conference Finals. It’s also the fact that it’s not just a one-man show. While Harden has a much higher usage rate, the two combine to create such a powerful force.

The Rockets are 3-0 against the Warriors this season, including one 21-point beatdown.

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